While last week was crazy it was awesome to take some time out and just enjoy, contemplate, and be down right puzzled by the Modern.
When you walk in, immediately to the left in its own conclave is Book with Wings by Anselm Kiefer.
It's an open lead book with two wings. One wing is slightly higher than the other. According to the description, Kiefer was intrigued by books and the wisdom they had to offer the world. The irony being that they can speak such great words, yet they are silent and terrible vulnerable to destruction. The irony behind the wings was that they symbolized the "flying" one could do with the knowledge of the book, yet the wings were lead and would never be able to fly. The different level of wings are both the hope the wisdom represents and the drudging reality of it's condition. I am a huge fan of sculptures. The ability to mold pieces into something else has a deeper meaning to me. Basically they speak to my soul and the play on irony with the lead and book captivated me for a solid five minutes before I remembered there was an entire museum left to see.
In the next room I found Aschenblume by Kiefer also attention worthy. On the surface, it appears to be a collage of cracked mud, grass, and twigs. When one steps back though, it becomes the inside of the the rebuilding of the Third Reich. I can sympathize with Kiefer's idea behind this one: Germany wanted so badly to rebuild their history yet it was a dirty and messy process that was going to take some time. The vastness of the piece alone was astounding.
I didn't realize our museum would have as many amazing artists as it does. For some reason I have it in my head that Fort Worth is similar to my hometown of 10,000. I'm still pleasantly surprised when I find the hidden gems. Maybe it's a blessing in disguise. When I found the Jackson Pollack "Number 5" I was ecstatic. Jackson Pollack was an artist we studied last year in Art History and ever since he's been a favorite of mine. I like the idea of a planned chaos. Of letting go with boundaries set.
Humor seems to be an underlying theme in modern works. Take Ellsworht Kelly's "Curved Red on Blue" I laughed out loud. While it appears to be a section of a red question mark on a blue field, on a second though one realizes it's just what it says: A curved red on blue. Sometimes we over think ourselves and art. Sometimes, things are just what they are, nothing more, nothing less.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Politics
Today was quite the experience for Jessie and her boyfriend Jackie. While we were eating lunch I got to introduce them to, wait for it, the American political system! But first, the background story…
Jessie went with her class to Dallas this past weekend to the Dallas Aquarium. Apparently she was not impressed. She described the Chinese aquarium she’d been to as a sort of tunnel. This tunnel allowed the visitors to through with the fish and other sea life all around you. A sort of inclusive experience, it’s understandable why she didn’t enjoy our installed tank exhibit as much.
They stopped by the Book Depository Museum in downtown Dallas, the legendary museum that walks the visitors through the assassination of JFK. While the group didn’t get to go into the museum, Jessie and Jackie were still very concerned as to why someone would shoot a president.
I explained as best I could, citing the drastic changes going on in the world at that time and how some people just don’t quite know how to reason their way through situations the best. I mentioned the fact that he was different than any other president. He was young, Catholic, and when he was shot he was a democrat in a largely republican area.
While his political affiliation was not such a major change in America at the time, Jessie was still curious to what exactly that meant: to be one party rather than another. After I explained that here we have a multitude of parties, but it’s more like we have two that engulf the surrounding parties.
Jessie explained to me that in China, they only have one party, The People’s Party. Everyone belonged to it, and while people voted, it was more like they voted to represent their “family” so to speak. There are about 56 of these “families” in China, with a 90 percent majority belonging to one. It was understandable then how our political freedom would be such a shock to someone.
Peanut butter
Today Jackie sat with Jessie and I for lunch. At first I was a bit nervous. He’s tall and quiet, an intimidating combination when you don’t know someone very well. After a while though, he seemed to warm up to the idea that I was a friend.
Jessie and Jackie are quite adventurous. They want to try new things, go places, and really experience America while they have the chance. They explained to me that it was very rare for a student to get a visa to go to school in America. They met when they were in the visa office, and were surprised to find they were going to the same school. Since they’ve been in America, they’ve had the opportunity to go to Disneyland and New York City. I think they will probably have seen more of America than I have by the time they go back.
On that thought, they wanted a suggestion as to where they should go on their next date. Since they don’t have a car, it was difficult to think of viable walking options. The new bus that goes to 7th Street should be a great help though. I was able to give them a few places. I could tell I was the only one they’d asked because they had no clue what any of the places I was talking about were like. I really think the program they’re in should have some sort of taxi system so they can get out and see the city on their own terms. Maybe a volunteer basis with us conversation partners?
Jessie seems to really be picking up on English. She’s very thoughtful of her words. I think she’ll be able to pass any test with flying colors come May. I’m so proud at her ability to pick up on pronunciations and sayings. She really wants this, and I hope she gets it.
I introduced Jessie and Jackie to peanut butter today. I had them try it plain and on apples. It was humorous to watch their reactions to the paste-y texture and semi-sweet taste. Neither of them liked it plain, but they did enjoy it on apples. I like introducing them to American foods. It’s a sort of way to say, “Hey, you’ll have to tell your family about this one!”
Thursday, February 17, 2011
A (dead) Rose for Emily
Can you say crazy?!?!
I chose this piece today because it made me think about how sometimes we don't want to let go of things. We allow them to mull over in our mind. We may find ourselves bringing them up in conversations just so we can relive them with someone else again. What if someone took this to the extreme?
Honestly, Miss Emily Grierson is not that crazy of a person to think of. Imagine an older person who believes they are entitled. Someone who doesn't accept the reality has moved past their time. They won't adapt and refuse to do so even if it proves detrimental to their person. It's not just older people who do this either. In communication we describe these people as the laggards, those who won't accept what's new or are the very last to do so.
Overall, Miss Emily is deceptive. She's smart but more in a manipulative sort of way. She understands her place in the world and will use it to get whatever she wants. It's interesting that this piece never mentions her mother. If she had a more loving figure rather than her Civil War supporting father, would she have been able to understand rejection and cope in other manners? Instead, she works a bit in a military-esque fashion: firm, unshakeable, and ambitious to a fault.
In sympathy, it would be difficult to be an orphan at age 30 with no love interest and no job. Think about it, in psychology we learn that the more "dimensions" one has to their person, the less likely they are to become depressed because they have an "insulation" against depression. No, this doesn't justify her behavior on any level but it still is just an interesting component.
What about the servant? How in the world did he not speak up? I mean, we know he didn't speak at all due to the harsh and rough nature of his voice at the end of the selection but what was she doing that kept him in such fear to stay quiet and continue to serve? Yes, it was a completely different time and age, but how could you know that you were serving in the same house as a woman who was known for her inability to deal with death?! It is an utter shame that someone would be unable to speak up. Think about it: no one in town would've listened to him and he probably would have been jailed or killed for speaking out against Miss Emily.
Speaking of her inability to deal with death, maybe Emily was still suffering from the death of her mother? Maybe he father never taught her how to deal with death so when she came across it her compensation was to not deal with it. I mean, RED FLAG. She wouldn't give up her father's body, and mysteriously Homer Barron disappears? C'mon people, enough with the niceties, it's a crime to not pay your taxes and murder someone. Just saying, enough is enough.
I chose this piece today because it made me think about how sometimes we don't want to let go of things. We allow them to mull over in our mind. We may find ourselves bringing them up in conversations just so we can relive them with someone else again. What if someone took this to the extreme?
Honestly, Miss Emily Grierson is not that crazy of a person to think of. Imagine an older person who believes they are entitled. Someone who doesn't accept the reality has moved past their time. They won't adapt and refuse to do so even if it proves detrimental to their person. It's not just older people who do this either. In communication we describe these people as the laggards, those who won't accept what's new or are the very last to do so.
Overall, Miss Emily is deceptive. She's smart but more in a manipulative sort of way. She understands her place in the world and will use it to get whatever she wants. It's interesting that this piece never mentions her mother. If she had a more loving figure rather than her Civil War supporting father, would she have been able to understand rejection and cope in other manners? Instead, she works a bit in a military-esque fashion: firm, unshakeable, and ambitious to a fault.
In sympathy, it would be difficult to be an orphan at age 30 with no love interest and no job. Think about it, in psychology we learn that the more "dimensions" one has to their person, the less likely they are to become depressed because they have an "insulation" against depression. No, this doesn't justify her behavior on any level but it still is just an interesting component.
What about the servant? How in the world did he not speak up? I mean, we know he didn't speak at all due to the harsh and rough nature of his voice at the end of the selection but what was she doing that kept him in such fear to stay quiet and continue to serve? Yes, it was a completely different time and age, but how could you know that you were serving in the same house as a woman who was known for her inability to deal with death?! It is an utter shame that someone would be unable to speak up. Think about it: no one in town would've listened to him and he probably would have been jailed or killed for speaking out against Miss Emily.
Speaking of her inability to deal with death, maybe Emily was still suffering from the death of her mother? Maybe he father never taught her how to deal with death so when she came across it her compensation was to not deal with it. I mean, RED FLAG. She wouldn't give up her father's body, and mysteriously Homer Barron disappears? C'mon people, enough with the niceties, it's a crime to not pay your taxes and murder someone. Just saying, enough is enough.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Love is in the air
Jessie and I met again today. We didn't get to meet Monday because she had a hot date, and by that I mean her boyfriend was taking her out.
Apparently he took her to a sushi place downtown and I am pleased to say that apparently our sushi was up to par. Whoop whoop. One point for the Texans. Jessie had something awesome to say about Valentine's day though:
"When you have a lover, or a boyfriend, everyday is valentine's day. So, while it was nice to be taken out and to get off campus, it wasn't that different because we just wanted to spend time together."
Is that not the sweetest thing you've ever heard? I knew that Valentine's Day was an american holiday but it just really hit me how sweet her outlook on love and her boyfriend are. Too often people get caught up with the actions they forget that it's about love itself, not the stuff that comes along with it.
As we talked about Valentine's Day Jessie asked why I didn't have a boyfriend. After awkwardly side stepping the question because of my obvious lack of a boyfriend Jessie, once again the wise love guru, said, "Don't worry about it, the right man will come along and it will be perfect." I seriously think she's the sweetest person.
We talked about how in China, it's forbidden to have a boyfriend when you're at high school. Teachers will call your parents if you have one, I thought that was pretty crazy. Apparently some will overlook it, but it's mainly because students are just supposed to study. I thought this was a bit over the top, but it makes sense. We also talked about how China is ok with people being openly gay. She even brought up a picture of the most famous gay Chinese couple.
Apparently Jessie's mom has met her boyfriends dad because she forgot things and had to have them brought over when her boyfriend's dad came to America. It was interesting to hear how people get creative when it's over $70 to ship anything, and then compounded after that due to weight.
Overall, today was eye-opening about just how different our views are, but not in a bad way.
Apparently he took her to a sushi place downtown and I am pleased to say that apparently our sushi was up to par. Whoop whoop. One point for the Texans. Jessie had something awesome to say about Valentine's day though:
"When you have a lover, or a boyfriend, everyday is valentine's day. So, while it was nice to be taken out and to get off campus, it wasn't that different because we just wanted to spend time together."
Is that not the sweetest thing you've ever heard? I knew that Valentine's Day was an american holiday but it just really hit me how sweet her outlook on love and her boyfriend are. Too often people get caught up with the actions they forget that it's about love itself, not the stuff that comes along with it.
As we talked about Valentine's Day Jessie asked why I didn't have a boyfriend. After awkwardly side stepping the question because of my obvious lack of a boyfriend Jessie, once again the wise love guru, said, "Don't worry about it, the right man will come along and it will be perfect." I seriously think she's the sweetest person.
We talked about how in China, it's forbidden to have a boyfriend when you're at high school. Teachers will call your parents if you have one, I thought that was pretty crazy. Apparently some will overlook it, but it's mainly because students are just supposed to study. I thought this was a bit over the top, but it makes sense. We also talked about how China is ok with people being openly gay. She even brought up a picture of the most famous gay Chinese couple.
Apparently Jessie's mom has met her boyfriends dad because she forgot things and had to have them brought over when her boyfriend's dad came to America. It was interesting to hear how people get creative when it's over $70 to ship anything, and then compounded after that due to weight.
Overall, today was eye-opening about just how different our views are, but not in a bad way.
Monday, February 14, 2011
The Man Who was Almost a Man. BOOM.
Ok, wow, the Mark Twain impersonation of writing here (Huckleberry Finn, anyone?) was a wee bit hard to ready, anyone else agree?
After the initial challenge of reading through the deep southern context and attempting to understand this young man's thought patterns, I must say I really enjoyed this piece. It was interesting to see how he identified manhood with violence or power. It was this correlation that ultimately leads to his demise, an interesting analogy for the truth behind the statement itself.
With the gun, he not only see's himself as a man, but as a viable member of his family. This balance between violence, power, and prominence is intriguing in terms of a male stereotype. The first proof of this happens with his mother. She is easily swayed to give him the money thinking this would please her husband to have a gun at his disposal. It's interesting to see the break in the writing with the allusion that she gave in and gave him the money rather than just narrating that part. It's also key to note that he doesn't mention his father or brother until he has already decided to buy the gun. Is this some sort of underlying theme which motivates him?
With the actually murder of Jenny the mule we see a shift in his character, yet not necessarily in the view one would think it would be. He was still selfishly caught up in his desires for manhood that he worries more about the consequences coming to him rather than the death of the animal itself. Maybe this was meant to show how violence is a state of mind, not just an action.
The finale of this tale comes somewhat abruptly. He uncovers the gun and decides to set out on the world. It's interesting to say that he was almost a man this whole time, yet all of his actions, motivations, and thoughts were purely manly if we define a man by his ability to seek and obtain power, carry out violence, and be deceptive enough to get away with it. While it may be purely coincidental that this was the story we are to read before the 15th of February, I still find it interesting to see this heartless tale on Valentine's day. Thank you Professor Williams. Mules may not be my favorite animal yet the death of Jenny was still upsetting on this day of "love."
I feel as if we all go through this want to be an adult. To spread our wings and not just fly, but prey, soar, and truly become those which we see as older, wiser, and more powerful. No, we do not all have to go out and convince our mothers for money for guns anymore but we still attempt to break the conventional rules set before us so that we can feel like a respected member of society. I found this piece to be profound and perfect for the day, reminding us that to be a "man" one needs more than just objects, they need the maturity to be responsible and handle the consequences of their actions. Not just pack up and go on the first train out of town.
After the initial challenge of reading through the deep southern context and attempting to understand this young man's thought patterns, I must say I really enjoyed this piece. It was interesting to see how he identified manhood with violence or power. It was this correlation that ultimately leads to his demise, an interesting analogy for the truth behind the statement itself.
With the gun, he not only see's himself as a man, but as a viable member of his family. This balance between violence, power, and prominence is intriguing in terms of a male stereotype. The first proof of this happens with his mother. She is easily swayed to give him the money thinking this would please her husband to have a gun at his disposal. It's interesting to see the break in the writing with the allusion that she gave in and gave him the money rather than just narrating that part. It's also key to note that he doesn't mention his father or brother until he has already decided to buy the gun. Is this some sort of underlying theme which motivates him?
With the actually murder of Jenny the mule we see a shift in his character, yet not necessarily in the view one would think it would be. He was still selfishly caught up in his desires for manhood that he worries more about the consequences coming to him rather than the death of the animal itself. Maybe this was meant to show how violence is a state of mind, not just an action.
The finale of this tale comes somewhat abruptly. He uncovers the gun and decides to set out on the world. It's interesting to say that he was almost a man this whole time, yet all of his actions, motivations, and thoughts were purely manly if we define a man by his ability to seek and obtain power, carry out violence, and be deceptive enough to get away with it. While it may be purely coincidental that this was the story we are to read before the 15th of February, I still find it interesting to see this heartless tale on Valentine's day. Thank you Professor Williams. Mules may not be my favorite animal yet the death of Jenny was still upsetting on this day of "love."
I feel as if we all go through this want to be an adult. To spread our wings and not just fly, but prey, soar, and truly become those which we see as older, wiser, and more powerful. No, we do not all have to go out and convince our mothers for money for guns anymore but we still attempt to break the conventional rules set before us so that we can feel like a respected member of society. I found this piece to be profound and perfect for the day, reminding us that to be a "man" one needs more than just objects, they need the maturity to be responsible and handle the consequences of their actions. Not just pack up and go on the first train out of town.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Araby
I know that I did the LRA over this piece but it really did mean a lot to me.
When I first read the story, I could relate only too well. I really feel as if this little boy was me, only in a male and a love-affair form. I can't relate the number of times I've been let down and these epiphany moments. They come fast, and often.
I can relate to the high ideals followed by the swift defeat because of the optimism I feel live has. It's more than just the dilly dallying and whimsical thoughts of the young; it's a hope for people in general. I feel as if this boy got a shocking wake up call from reality of what his life could easily look like.
The idea that he can’t recognize what path is life is headed down is all too common, especially being in college. When we take a step back and realize that we are taking the steps to our own unhappiness. The irony is that he was trying to run from the same relationship he is headed right into. He doesn’t want to be like his aunt and uncle and yet that is exactly what he will end up with.
I feel like this story transcends the obvious meaning of getting one’s heart broken because it’s all about the loss of innocence; The ruining of a dream. That fall from the selfish and underdeveloped desires to the humble and accepting reality.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Chinese New Year
Over lunch today, Jessie and I discussed the Chinese New Year. She explained to me how she did get to skype with her family, because that is the most important part of the festivities, eating with one's family. She told me how the Chinese students in Waits all cooked a traditional dinner together. Apparently along the way they set off the fire alarms twice. I guess Chinese cooking isn't the same on American ovens. Nevertheless, she said they had a great time. It was just so interesting to see how dedicate they were to their traditions. I guess it would be similar to Independence Day or Thanksgiving for us.
I got to learn more about the Chinese years of the animal and just how important they are for them. Jessie also explained how they believe in the elements and how one can lack them. In return, they may wear a piece of jewelry to "balance them out." The amount of superstition or tradition they have is just astounding to me. I know we have superstitions but they are typically limited to sports or old wives tales.
Jessie and I also talked about what she and I both did over the break. Apparently it gets a lot colder in China, but that didn't stop the students from proving it by going out in the cold in nothing but short sleeves. It was interesting to hear how similar we were on what we did over the snow break and how different we were too. I did a lot of studying and work over break, while she relaxed more. However, we both went out and played in the snow. It's great to see the sterotypes break down and really get to know people. Some say the Chinese are always so studious, but we forget how much alike we really are. I'm looking forward to next week when Jessie walks me through the stir fry line and teaches me what's "good!"
I got to learn more about the Chinese years of the animal and just how important they are for them. Jessie also explained how they believe in the elements and how one can lack them. In return, they may wear a piece of jewelry to "balance them out." The amount of superstition or tradition they have is just astounding to me. I know we have superstitions but they are typically limited to sports or old wives tales.
Jessie and I also talked about what she and I both did over the break. Apparently it gets a lot colder in China, but that didn't stop the students from proving it by going out in the cold in nothing but short sleeves. It was interesting to hear how similar we were on what we did over the snow break and how different we were too. I did a lot of studying and work over break, while she relaxed more. However, we both went out and played in the snow. It's great to see the sterotypes break down and really get to know people. Some say the Chinese are always so studious, but we forget how much alike we really are. I'm looking forward to next week when Jessie walks me through the stir fry line and teaches me what's "good!"
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Introductions
On Monday, Jessie and I met again. Something I'm beginning to realize is that, to her, being on time means at least five minutes early. This occurred to me because as I was walking over for our 1:00 p.m. lunch date at 12:58, I got a text from her asking where I was. I'll make sure that I am earlier next time.
While we both got food a friend of mine joined our table. When Jessie came back she was so excited to get to meet one of my friends. I didn't realize how much of a sign of comfort this was for her. She was honored to meet one of my friends. It showed that I was comfortable with her and that I wanted her to be a more apart of my life.
After my friend left we continued our conversation. Wednesday is the Chinese New Year and we had a long conversation about what that all entails. Because the most important part of the celebration is eating with one's family, she will be skyping her family back in China. This was really cool because we do the same thing with my sister and brother-in-law in Africa. It turns out that some of her friends got to go home for Christmas and brought back some of the Chinese decorations for the Chinese New Year. They will be making traditional Chinese food and celebrating as a group.
I then got to meet Jessie's boyfriend. He was very respectful and was quite shy. When I asked Jessie why she hadn't told me about her boyfriend before she said it was because she is shy. I forget how open we are to all areas of our life and sharing them at the drop of a hat. I must work at that.
While we both got food a friend of mine joined our table. When Jessie came back she was so excited to get to meet one of my friends. I didn't realize how much of a sign of comfort this was for her. She was honored to meet one of my friends. It showed that I was comfortable with her and that I wanted her to be a more apart of my life.
After my friend left we continued our conversation. Wednesday is the Chinese New Year and we had a long conversation about what that all entails. Because the most important part of the celebration is eating with one's family, she will be skyping her family back in China. This was really cool because we do the same thing with my sister and brother-in-law in Africa. It turns out that some of her friends got to go home for Christmas and brought back some of the Chinese decorations for the Chinese New Year. They will be making traditional Chinese food and celebrating as a group.
I then got to meet Jessie's boyfriend. He was very respectful and was quite shy. When I asked Jessie why she hadn't told me about her boyfriend before she said it was because she is shy. I forget how open we are to all areas of our life and sharing them at the drop of a hat. I must work at that.
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